May 28, 2021

Today's COVID-19 snapshot

[1] Laboratory confirmed positive cases.

Note: Given the limited number of students currently on U of R campuses, we will not be distributing a student dashboard during the summer months.

County status

San Bernardino County: Tier 3/orange (moderate); 1.0% testing positivity rate (7-day average)

Marin County: Tier 3/orange (moderate); 0.5% testing positivity rate (7-day average)

New at the U of R

The vaccination clinic on the Redlands main campus administered its 5,000 vaccines earlier this month. To register for a vaccination appointment or to sign up to volunteer at the clinic, visit the U of R vaccination clinic website. 

Reminder of the week 

As described in the May 3 memo, the University has begun a phased reopening of all offices, to be completed by June 1 for most employees but no later than July 1 as the default for everyone. A continued temporary remote work arrangement through September 1 or an earlier date may be granted with approval from the respective Cabinet member. A new remote work policy for post-pandemic use will be released later this year.

In addition, starting July 1, the University will require a full course of COVID-19 vaccination for all faculty and staff who come onto a U of R campus, with certain pathways for exemptions. Those who meet exemption criteria will continue to be subject to weekly COVID-19 testing requirements and strict health and safety protocols. While the University’s detailed policy and web portals for loading vaccination records and forms have been delayed, they will be available in early June.

News you can use 

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom has reaffirmed the opening of the California economy and the end of the COVID-19 tier system outlined in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy as of June 15.

• Vaccine verification and/or negative testing is still required for indoor mega events (5,000+) and recommended for outdoor mega events (10,000+)
• California Department of Public Health provides guidance for face coverings. With limited exceptions (such as visits among fully vaccinated people), face coverings are required in indoor settings outside of one's home, including public transportation.
• The State will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements for travel, including avoiding non-essential travel out of state. Non-vaccinated individuals should test for COVID-19 1-3 days before departure and 3-5 days after arrival at their destination, and should quarantine for 10 days after their return.

Recommended read

Zoë McLaren, associate professor at the University of Maryland, writes in The New York Times about exponential decay and “The Math That Explains the End of the Pandemic.”

Do you have an article to recommend to others or suggestions for this newsletter? Email urreadybrief@redlands.edu.

Additional information on the University’s COVID-19 response—including FAQs, videos, and past messages—is available at Redlands.edu/URready.